Gary Edward Rexroat, 72

Gary Edward Rexroat, 72, of Trenton, Fla, passed away Saturday, July 18, 2020 after an extended illness.

He was born in Somerset, Ky on May 25, 1948 to Ralph and Unema Rexroat. He was a member of the first Physician Assistants Program and the first graduating class of the Physician Assistants program at Duke University in 1972.

Gary came to work at the University of Florida and later transferred into the U of F Rural Medicine Program with his first rotation in Cross City, then transferring to Trenton to expand the Rural Medical Program. After leaving the Rural Medical Program, he co started the Chiefland Medical Center (with Ted Burt and Tammie Sanders). After selling the practice, he went back to the University of Florida, to the U.F.Health Clinic in Old Town and later moved back to Chiefland Medical Center.

Gary served four years in the U.S. Navy as a Corman serving in Vietnam and receiving a Bronze Star and three Purple Hearts and then served ten years in the U.S. Army Reserves as a Warrant Officer. He was a member of the American Legion, William T. Carlton Masonic Lodge #46 in Trenton, the Physician Assistants Association serving as its first president, Health Planning Council, served on the Gilchrist County School Board for 20 years, and earned the Gilchrist County Lifetime Achievement Award.

His hobbies included hunting, fishing, sitting on the back porch and spending time with his family.

He is survived by; his wife of 52 years, Gwenda Rexroat of Trenton, Fla; son Matthew (Jillian) Rexroat of Trenton, Fla and grandchildren, Jaxson, Jayson, Isaiah, Trey, Zachery, Emily, Matthew, and Zackary; brother Alonzo Rexroat of San Diego, Calif, and sister Marie Rexroat of Quantico, Va.  He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Vickie Lynn Wade.

A committal service for Gary E. Rexroat was held on Saturday, July 25, 2020 at 3 pm at the Free Union Separate Baptist Church Cemetery were Bro. Dustin McGowan officiated.

Bernard Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements.